Drug-addicted former Vic cop jailed

A former Victorian police officer will spend at least the next two-and-a-half years behind bars after bribing a drug dealer for cash and drugs to feed his ice habit.

David Branov, 42, of Mill Park, crossed to the dark side four years after joining the force. He claims he became dependent on highly addictive methamphetamine to help cope with the stresses of being a senior constable.

The County Court of Victoria heard that in March 2010 he stole drugs including ice, heroin and cocaine from a police station, along with three mobile phones.

Branov went on to steal more drugs from his workplace.

He also accessed a restricted police database, passed information to a drug dealer and bribed the dealer into giving him cash and drugs in return for protecting him.

When police raided Branov's home in April 2013, they found scales and other drug paraphernalia along with numerous police documents, a handgun and counterfeit money, the court heard.

Having pleaded guilty to 14 charges including theft, drug and misconduct in November, he was sentenced to more than four years and three months jail on Thursday.